Does your school have a peer helping group? If not, there are countless reasons to start one! Establishing a trained team of peer helpers benefits students, staff, and the overall school climate in meaningful ways. In fact, the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) recognizes peer helping as a valuable extension of the school counseling office. With such strong support, why not explore the power of students helping students?
Here’s why every school should consider implementing a peer-helping program:👇
1. Enhances Student Support & Mental Well-being
- Many students feel more comfortable talking to peers than adults about personal issues. In fact, students will talk to their peers before coming to an adult. That is just the facts.
- Properly trained peer helpers can offer emotional support, active listening, and encouragement, reducing feelings of isolation.
- Properly instituted programs help address stress, anxiety, and conflict resolution, contributing to a healthier school environment.
2. Improves School Climate & Reduces Conflict
- Peer helpers promote inclusion, kindness, and respect, fostering a positive culture.
- Trained peer helpers can mediate conflicts and prevent bullying or misunderstandings before they escalate.
- Schools with peer support programs often report higher levels of student engagement and connectedness.
3. Empowers Students & Builds Leadership Skills
- Peer helpers develop essential life skills such as communication, problem-solving, and empathy.
- They gain confidence and a sense of purpose by making a real difference in their peers’ lives.
- Leadership experience through peer help can enhance college applications and career readiness.
4. Supports Academic Success & School Engagement
- When students feel emotionally supported, they’re more likely to stay engaged in school.
- Peer helpers can offer academic encouragement, tutoring, or study strategies to struggling students.
- A positive support network increases motivation, improves school attendance, and reduces school dropout.
5. Strengthens the Connection Between Students & Staff
- Peer helpers can serve as a bridge between students and school counselors, teachers, and administrators.
- They help identify students in need and encourage them to seek professional support when necessary.
- By working alongside school counselors and staff, peer helpers contribute to a comprehensive support system.
6. Creates a Culture of Helping & Paying It Forward
- Peer helping programs normalize seeking and offering support, reducing stigma around mental health.
- Many students who receive peer support later become peer helpers themselves, creating a cycle of kindness.
- The impact extends beyond school, as students take these skills into college, careers, and their communities.
By training students in peer helping, schools empower young people to support one another, build stronger relationships, and create a more compassionate learning environment. It’s an investment in student well-being that benefits the entire school community.
If your school has a group of trained peer helpers, let's recognize them in our school communities. How can you do this? Well, National Peer Helpers Recognition Week is just around the corner! From March 24-28, 2025, the National Association of Peer Program Professionals encourages schools and communities to honor the incredible impact of peer helpers. Whether you celebrate for a single day or the entire week, they have made it easy and fun with their specially designed National Peer Helper Week Resource Kit.
What’s in the Resource Kit?
The kit provides simple yet meaningful ways to recognize the dedication of peer helpers. It offers an open-ended theme, allowing for creativity while reinforcing the importance of peer support programs in schools.
Ways to Celebrate:
✅ Host an Activity – Organize a school or community event highlighting the work of peer helpers.
✅ Proclamation Signing – Invite school administrators or community leaders to officially recognize Peer Helper Week.
✅ Show Your Peer Helper Pride – Wear Peer Helper T-shirts or gear to raise awareness.
✅ Share Your Celebration – Capture and share moments from your events! Send photos to nappp@2020@gmail.com or post them on the NAPPP Facebook and Instagram pages.
This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the power of peer support and encourage more students to get involved.
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